860 MANUAL OF MODERN FARRIERY. 



The White, or Marl-worms. — These worms are found 

 chiefly in marl or clay-land by following the plough, and 

 also in turnip-fields, where the soil is of a stiffish quality : 

 the head is very small, and of a pale red colour : they are 

 longer than the brandling, and naturally tough, are a good 

 bait, especially in muddy water, and may be preserved in 

 some of their own earth, keeping it properly damp, with some 

 moss at top, and when scoured are of a pale white. 



The Marsh-worms are middle sized and knotted ; are of a 

 blueish cast, and tender ; are to be found in the rich banks 

 of rivers, and in marshy soil, wherein they are usually got by 

 treading on the ground when it is moist, with both feet close 

 together, much backwards and forwards, in circles : they re- 

 quire more scouring in moss than most other worms, at least 

 fifteen days, before they are thoroughly fit for use ; but they 

 are very lively, good bait. 



The Tagtail-worm. — This species is of a pale flesh- 

 colour, with a yellow tag, about half-an-inch long, on its 

 tail : it is found in the marled lands or meadows after a 

 shower, or in the morning, in calm and not cold weather, in 

 March and April. In discoloured water by rain, it is con- 

 sidered a fatal bait for trout : they will not endure long 

 scouring. 



Gentles. — These may be procured at any time at the 

 tallow-chandlers', and should be kept in oatmeal and bran, 

 as bran by itself is too dry. Those who live in or near 

 London may buy them in proper condition for the day on 

 which they wish to use them ; but for the accommodation of 

 those who reside in the country, remote from such conve- 

 nience, the best modes of breeding them will be here men- 

 tioned, to prevent disappointment. But now that postage is 

 so cheap, baits of all kinds may be received from Cheek's, 

 132, Oxford Street, London, any distance within two 



